Kick it! Puma announce RS-100: More Roland TR-808 inspired trainers

Who knew that drum machine nerds could possibly be so stylish? But the saga of drum machine coloured trainers continues with another take from sportswear manufacturers Puma. We saw a glimpse of their RS-0 at some Puma party in Berlin around Superbooth time. The new RS-100 is a much brighter affair and both are scheduled for release on 808 day.

Puma RS-100 and RS-0

Puma RS-100

So yes, these are actually going to materialise. Now, of course, they don’t contain a drum machine like the concept Adidas trainers designed by Neely and Daughters that made such a splash a year or so ago. Sadly those ones never seem to materialise with Margo Neely insisting they were still in the process of turning down offers waiting for the right one. In the meantime, Puma has stepped up and are poised to release two TR-808 inspired trainers in their “Retro-Style” range.

Puma RS-100

The RS-100 definitely emphasises the yellow as opposed to the black on the RS-0. It makes them very jolly which is perfect for the upbeat drum machine crowd (see what I did there?). I mean who wouldn’t want to turn up at a synth-meet with your 808 trainers and 808 t-shirt, 909 socks and CR-78 underpants? It has “Roland” all over it and the iconic “Rhythm Composer TR-808” writing along the side. The best bit for me is the tread – they kind of look like the 808 buttons, but also a bit like piano roll notes, so the old and the new coming together reimagined and reinvented in sporty footwear.

Puma RS-100

Marketing heaven

There’s some fabulous marketing speak all about stories of reinvention, reimagining, rebooting and retro on the press release pdf that you can find here. I can’t help feeling a little bit excited about it. I have my own pair of “retro” Puma trainers that I bought about 20 years ago which, if I wore them often enough and did wear them out, then maybe I could be tempted. Although these will retail for £100 and that’s probably about halfway to a Behringer clone of the drum machine in question. Hmmm, new trainers or a new drum machine?

Both pairs will be released on the forthcoming “808 day” which is the 8th August. I hope Roland has a few more gadgets up its sleeve for the day.